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Scope power for a 25-06??

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matrobw View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote matrobw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Scope power for a 25-06??
    Posted: December/18/2008 at 14:49
I am about to drop some coin on a new 25-06 to be used both out west on antelope and here in Kentucky on deer.  Obviously shots out west can be taken out to 400 yds based on the skill of the shooter and the environment.  And most of my shots here in Kentucky will be under 300 yards.

My question is.  Would something like a 3.5X10X40 be sufficient magnification or should I go to a 4.5X14X40 or 4X16X40?  Not going to a 50mm so I can keep the weight down.

I don't have much experience with a 25-06 but have always wanted one so I am going to get one.  Just want to get a grip on the correct magnification that people have found works well with this caliber.

I don't dare go into recommendations about brands because everyone has their own opinion on that topic.  Even myself.  I own Bushnell, Leupold, Zeiss, and Nikon.  etc etc.

Thanks in advance.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 14:51
the 3.5x10 will be just fine, the 25-06 is a fine choice, my father in law swears by his and he has taken everything from coyotes to moose with it. the 50mm probably wont do you much good over a 40 unless your deer hunting in mostly dark situations, then the 50 will help a little bit, depending on what scope you buy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 14:57
  On top of my .25-06 M70 XTR Sporter is where my old 3.5-10x40AO Vari-X III sits. Never needed more.
 
til later
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote geezer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 15:46
I have a 4-12 on my Browning BBR.  Twelve power is nice when checking the rifle on paper @100 yds.  Most of the time when I hunted with this rifle, the scope normally stayed set at six power.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 16:47
Like your choice in caliber. flat shootin no kick.Big Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 17:17
Originally posted by matrobw matrobw wrote:

My question is.  Would something like a 3.5X10X40 be sufficient magnification
 
Absolutely!  And then some!  It is all the scope you need for 95% of the big game hunting shots you'd ever be faced with on this and any other continent on the planet.
 
My .25-06 is one of my favorite deer rifles, and it wears a 2.5-10X50.  I have never wanted more scope.  Most of the time, I keep it set on 4-6X.
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blacktails View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blacktails Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 17:22
I've had a Vari-X III 3.5-10x40 on my .25-06 for many years, and have taken deer easily out to 300 yards.  I think it is an great match for the type of hunting you are going to do.  That being said, I recently bought a Conquest 4.5-14x44 that will be used for the same type of hunting as my Vari-X III.  I just wanted a little more magnification, not for shooting distance, but for times when my 7x42 Swaros aren't quite enough binocular when identifying horns.  Something for you to consider depending on what glass you'll use to spot game.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Squeeze Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 17:37
Originally posted by matrobw matrobw wrote:

I am about to drop some coin on a new 25-06 to be used both out west on antelope and here in Kentucky on deer.  Obviously shots out west can be taken out to 400 yds based on the skill of the shooter and the environment.  And most of my shots here in Kentucky will be under 300 yards.

My question is.  Would something like a 3.5X10X40 be sufficient magnification or should I go to a 4.5X14X40 or 4X16X40?  Not going to a 50mm so I can keep the weight down.

I don't have much experience with a 25-06 but have always wanted one so I am going to get one.  Just want to get a grip on the correct magnification that people have found works well with this caliber.

I don't dare go into recommendations about brands because everyone has their own opinion on that topic.  Even myself.  I own Bushnell, Leupold, Zeiss, and Nikon.  etc etc.

Thanks in advance.
.......................Well let me tell ya! I just may be the `ol dark horse on this one!
I usually am anyway being the non-traditional person that I am!................. Just ask the group!Laugh............
 
For any kill shot out to say even 500 yards or so, the maximum magnifications that most will use depending on the hunter, will be from a 3x to a 6x range. Increasing magnification on a target, always increases the scope wobble no matter what you do. When seen through the scope, excessive wobble means more delay and uncertainty in taking the shot.
 
Also, if you find yourself hunting in the closer cover, timbers and so on, where the ranges will be shorter and in some cases less than 100 yards, too much magnification on the low end reduces fov and increases the time to acquire the target.
 
For your 25-06 a 3x9 imo, would be tops! However, my #1 pick in a magnification range for your rifle would be a 2x8 or a 2.5x8, with an objective of no more than 36mm in diameter.
 
Why? Lower profile, lower overall rifle weight for the long hikes or climbs, as well as great balance in magnification from the low to the high end, which is ideal for any terrain you will hunt in and ideal for the cartridge you are using!   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 17:40
Originally posted by blacktails blacktails wrote:

I've had a Vari-X III 3.5-10x40 on my .25-06 for many years, and have taken deer easily out to 300 yards.  I think it is an great match for the type of hunting you are going to do.  That being said, I recently bought a Conquest 4.5-14x44 that will be used for the same type of hunting as my Vari-X III.  I just wanted a little more magnification, not for shooting distance, but for times when my 7x42 Swaros aren't quite enough binocular when identifying horns.  Something for you to consider depending on what glass you'll use to spot game.



Please dont use your scope as your binocs not a safe practice!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 17:51
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:


Please dont use your scope as your binocs not a safe practice!


Using your scope to zoom in on a animal you might shoot is not a safe practice??  How so?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 17:56
Im sorry the way I took the wording ,read like he was using not to zoom but to observe. my mistake.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 21:16

I would sincerely consider this:

6227 Swarovski 3-9x36 American Light Weight 52040, Matte finish, one inch tube, plex reticle, fast focus eye piece, resettable windage & elevation, light ring marks. $887.00 $649.95
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2008 at 22:37
I see nothing wrong with a 3-9, 4-12 or 4-16 power on a fast rifle, this all boils down to personal choice and use.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blacktails Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2008 at 15:45
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

Originally posted by blacktails blacktails wrote:

I've had a Vari-X III 3.5-10x40 on my .25-06 for many years, and have taken deer easily out to 300 yards.  I think it is an great match for the type of hunting you are going to do.  That being said, I recently bought a Conquest 4.5-14x44 that will be used for the same type of hunting as my Vari-X III.  I just wanted a little more magnification, not for shooting distance, but for times when my 7x42 Swaros aren't quite enough binocular when identifying horns.  Something for you to consider depending on what glass you'll use to spot game.



Please dont use your scope as your binocs not a safe practice!
 
rifle looney,
 
I think you mis-read or mis-understood my post.  I do not use my scope for spotting game, but only use it to confirm horn count or quality on potentially shootable game that I have ALREADY spotted with my binoculars.  I completely agree with you that using a scope in place of binoculars to loacate game is a very unsafe practice.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2008 at 15:53
Call me unsafe, call me uncaring, call me whatever you want.  I have been "spotting" game with a scope ever since they were put on rifles... never unintentionally shot anyone yet.  I guess safety is a personal thing.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2008 at 15:55
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Call me unsafe, call me uncaring, call me whatever you want.  I have been "spotting" game with a scope ever since they were put on rifles... never unintentionally shot anyone yet.  I guess safety is a personal thing.  


me too, of course where im hunting im not surrounded by people either


Edited by pyro6999 - December/19/2008 at 16:01
They call me "Boots"
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2008 at 16:10
Emoticons Roger that. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2008 at 17:47
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Call me unsafe, call me uncaring, call me whatever you want.  I have been "spotting" game with a scope ever since they were put on rifles... never unintentionally shot anyone yet.  I guess safety is a personal thing.  


That it is and I take it seriously, but I was brought up that way?please dont take offense.
                                                               
james.Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/20/2008 at 16:06
.................yes, we were taught not to use the scope as a spotting scope......besides, it's too heavy......use yer binoculars........Bucky
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/20/2008 at 16:29
WE is an all inclusive term.  I grew up stalking in thickets where one was liable to walk up on a pipeline and suddenly have a shot several hundreds of yards, or as far as the bullet would go.  Never been much for sitting in tree stands.  The nifty little binocular carrying devices available today were not available (and I couldn't afford binoculars, anyway) then, so "scoping" was the fundamental and necessary method.  There were not a lot of people in the woods and "we" generally knew who was there and about where they would be hunting.  It is a method I still use today, even though I do now carry binoculars and they are my primary "location" tool.  Doesn't mean I won't "scope" if I think time is of the essence.  Totally disagree on the "too heavy" issue. JTWII.    

Certainly no offense taken, James and none intended.  


Edited by Kickboxer - December/20/2008 at 16:30
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

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